Abilene ISD’s freshman academies proving successful

Freshman academies at Abilene and Cooper High schools in Abilene ISD have sparked improved academic achievement. Fewer students are repeating the ninth grade.

"I think they've hit the nail on the head with this one," says Superintendent David Polnick. "It's the relationships. You can provide the love and attention students need to help them stay on track. It is a different way of educating."

Abilene ISD started pilot academies in 2005-2006 with about 125 freshmen at both of the high schools. Last year, all freshmen were placed in academies. Freshmen academies group about 100 to 150 students who have the same teachers for core courses and attend classes in the same vicinity of the school. The "school within a school" concept creates smaller learning communities in which teachers can coordinate among each other and keep closer tabs on students.

Statistics presented by the high school principals reveal TAKS math and English scores have improved at both schools since the program started. Also, 18 percent more freshmen are earning algebra credit, which will soon become part of Texas' more-stringent high school requirements.

"We would like to see it expanded through 12th grade," says Cooper High School Principal Gail Gregg, who reported the number of freshmen repeaters has dropped in the past five years from 20 percent to 8 percent.